Chicago P.D. Season 12 has kicked off with a noticeable absence: Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) is still gone, and fans are left wondering why.
As one of the most beloved characters, her absence is significant, and it adds a layer of suspense to the show’s new season. At the end of Season 11, Burgess faced intense personal and professional challenges. Her near-death experience and the emotional strain of balancing her role as a police officer and a mother to Makayla left her in a fragile mental state. After all she’s been through, it was clear she needed time to heal. Her decision to step away wasn’t surprising, but it’s still left a void in the Intelligence Unit.
In Season 12, it seems Burgess has not yet returned to the unit. The writers are clearly allowing her character the space to process her trauma in a more realistic way. Rather than rushing her back, they’ve chosen to explore her absence, adding depth to her storyline. Burgess’ absence has certainly shaken the dynamics of the Intelligence Unit. Voight’s leadership is being tested as the team tries to fill the void left by her departure. Ruzek, who has been Burgess’ partner both professionally and personally, is particularly affected. He’s had to juggle his own emotions while trying to remain focused on his duties.
There’s also the question of who will step in to take on Burgess’ responsibilities. The show is introducing new characters to fill the gaps, but fans know that no one can truly replace her presence in the team. Burgess has always brought a unique blend of compassion and determination to her role, making her a fan favorite. While Chicago P.D. hasn’t confirmed when Burgess will be back, the door is clearly open for her return. Fans are eager to see how she will navigate her path back to the Intelligence Unit, and whether her relationship with Ruzek will evolve further.
Burgess’ time away also leaves room for speculation about her future. Will she come back stronger and more resilient, or will her personal struggles continue to haunt her? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: when Burgess does return, it’s going to be a pivotal moment for the entire Chicago P.D. team. For now, Burgess’ absence remains a central theme of the early episodes of Season 12, keeping fans intrigued about her journey ahead.
